The TAC Cup competition was established in 1992 following the disbandment of the VFL/AFL Under 19 competition due to Metropolitan and Country zoning ceasing for AFL clubs.
The TAC Cup is based on geographic regions throughout country Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne with a team representing each of the 12 Victorian regions.
In 1992 the competition consisted of five metropolitan teams and one country team. The initial teams were the Northern Knights, Eastern Ranges, Dandenong Stingrays, Western Jets, Central Dragons and Geelong Falcons.
In 1993 an additional four country teams were included - the Murray Bushrangers, Bendigo Pioneers, Gippsland Power, and Ballarat Rebels. In 1995 two additional metropolitan regions were established with the Oakleigh Chargers and Calder Cannons teams included in the competition. The Tassie Mariners also commenced in the competition in 1995. Finally, in 1996, the NSW/ACT RAMS were admitted to the TAC Cup. The Mariners and RAMS both exiting the competition at the end of the 2002 resulting in the current 12 team competition.
Since 1992 the TAC Cup has become the major source of AFL Draftees with more players recruited to the AFL from the TAC Cup than from any other competition throughout Australia.
The TAC Cup has also been very successful in providing an opportunity for talented country players to play in a very high standard competition without having to relocate to Melbourne and for providing quality young players, not only to the AFL, but also to the senior VFL competition and local country and metropolitan football.
Last Modified on 19/02/2008 19:22